Authorities choose to end Polk Co. manhunt, suspect still on the lam

POLK COUNTY, TX (KTRE) - Polk County authorities ended a 13-hour manhunt for a 24-year-old Indiana man accused of assaulting a state trooper that had been arresting him for car theft and fleeing into a nearby wooded area late Wednesday night after their efforts came up short.

Department of Public Safety spokesman David Hendry said authorities called off the manhunt for Dennarious Cortes Banyon, 24, of Indianapolis, at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday night. In addition to search dogs from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Polunski unit, a helicopter flew in from Longview to assist with the search of the 8-acre wooded area.

Banyon is still at large, according to Hendry. The DPS spokesman said that arrest warrants will be issued for Banyon for unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana, and evading arrest. Authorities are also planning to contact the Polk County District Attorney's office about filing an additional warrant for assaulting a public servant.

The two Indianapolis men that were in the car with Banyon were arrested without incident and charged with possession of marijuana after authorities found a usable amount of the drug in the car. Quintez Dewight Wilson, 22, and Anthony Depaul Evans, 29, are still being held in the Polk County Jail on possession of marijuana under 2 ounces charges. Each man's bond has been set at $1,500.

According to Hendry, a DPS trooper stopped a 2011 Mazda 6 for speeding on U.S. Highway 59, just south of Seven Oaks, at 9:56 a.m.

Upon learning that the car, which had Indiana plates, was stolen, the trooper started arresting Banyon. The trooper had one handcuff on Banyon when Banyon hit him in the head, causing a cut on the trooper's forehead.

Banyon then ran across the highway and into a wooded area.

Hendry said Banyon was wearing a red tank top and black shorts when he evaded arrest. Anyone traveling in the area who sees him should contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at (936) 327-6810.